US judge blocks launch of Disney, Fox, Warner Bros sports streaming venture

​​​​​​​By Ovunc Kutlu

ISTANBUL (AA) - A US federal judge blocked the launch Friday of sports streaming venture by The Walt Disney Company, Fox Corp. and Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

District Judge Margaret Garnett from the US District Court for the Southern District of New York wrote in a preliminary injunction order that the joint venture, Venu Sports, would "substantially lessen competition and restrain trade in the relevant market."

The decision comes after US-based streaming television services provider FuboTV filed an antitrust lawsuit in February against the three entertainment conglomerates.

FuboTV alleges that the media companies have engaged in a years-long campaign to block its sports streaming business, resulting in significant harm to itself and consumers.